The idea…
We (Autumn and Greg) love dogs and spending time outside. Both of us grew up in rural Wisconsin and still reside in Wisconsin in the great city of Sheboygan. As a married couple, our first pets were two Italian Greyhounds, Photon and Pepin. When we took them outside for walks, we hated to put any insect repellents on them (and they hated it too). Photon and Pepin, being really small dogs, it was easy enough to check them for ticks after a walk. Our current rescued furry companion, Cooper, is much bigger and really likes to explore the woods and tall grass.
Being chemists, we understand the risks and rewards of synthetic pesticides. After trying some all-natural insect repellents on the market and not being satisfied with the effectiveness, and after investigating the potential hazards of synthetic pesticides, we were convinced there had to be something better. After researching plant-based, non-synthetic biopesticides used to kill or repel ticks, we found a few components that seemed promising. We set up some experiments with several formulations, and with ticks from the yard, studied the behaviors of the ticks. We eventually found a combination that convinced us that it was effective, and we’ve been using it ever since!
Since then, we’ve kept our tick repellent handy, and wipe Cooper and ourselves with it when our adventures take us into tick habitat. We’ve done more research which has shown that the components of our mixture are proven safe for humans, animals, pollinators, and the environment as a whole.
At the end of 2022, we came to the realization that we needed to make our formulation available for other people who wanted to help protect themselves and their furry friends from the hazards of ticks.
We believe people can use nature to give them the freedom to enjoy nature again. We believe people want to responsibly protect their family, pets, and environment. We believe that nature will provide people what they need in order to enjoy nature again.
Our Story
Founded by Autumn and Greg Farrell, Cooper’s Original started in early 2023.
Autumn Farrell - Co-founder
Autumn grew up outside of Maribel, WI. She graduated as a valedictorian from Denmark High School. She graduated magna cum laude and with Honors from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a B.S. degree in chemistry. She earned her master’s degree in chemistry with an environmental emphasis from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. After completing her degree, she worked in the environmental civil engineering department at the University of Minnesota for two years. Wanting to move closer to family, Autumn got a job in an industrial lab where she performed analytical chemistry for environmental compliance. Autumn’s next career move to her current role (and one of her ideal jobs) is as an audit chemist helping to ensure environmental compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Autumn loves animals, traveling, kayaking, and landscape painting. She has a passion for protecting wildlife and the environment.
Greg Farrell - Co-founder
Greg grew up outside of Pelican Lake, WI, where he graduated from Elcho High School. He graduated from Northcentral Technical College with an A.S. degree in Laser Technology. He earned his B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. During college, Greg was an active member of the Hobnailers organization, organizing and guiding many outdoor adventure trips. Greg’s first job out of college was for a pilot plant manufacturing compostable plastic made from corn. Greg’s other career steps have included Application Engineer in the metals fabrication industry and Supervisor in the chemical manufacturing industry. Greg’s current role is as a Supplier Quality Analyst at a manufacturing company. During his career, Greg has also earned a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Greg is very active and has completed several adventure races and triathlons, including an Ironman. Greg is also a USCG Licensed Captain and U.S. Sailing instructor.
Cooper Farrell - Brand Ambassador
Cooper’s puppyhood is unknown. The Neenah Animal Shelter brought him from Arkansas to Wisconsin in 2017. Greg and Autumn adopted him after a long year of waiting for his forever home. Cooper is an American Fox Hound (or possibly a Treeing Walker Coonhound). He completed his obedience training and obtained his AKC Canine Good Citizenship certification. He also completed a nose work training course.
Cooper loves to sniff everything, and he loves to be chased around the dog park. He is obsessed with chipmunks and getting Greg’s full attention.
